Hari Om Parents,
Following was discussed in the Bala Vihar class on Dec 19, 2021:
1. After initial prayers we continued with Bhagavad Gita Dhyana slokas – chanted individually by Nitya.
2. Bhagavad Geeta Chapter 2 chanting: We have taught the children verses 54 - 55 this week. Please encourage your children to practice these verses at home as well.
3. Today in class we focused on discussing various Pandava characters in Mahabharata Story, analyzing their life and actions. As stated before Mahabharata story is trying to reflect to us our own situation & mental condition through these various characters – so we can learn and grow.
4. Kunti : she was adopted by Kuntibhoja, she is sister of Vasudeva and aunt of Sri Krishna. She showed extraordinary courage and inner strength in raising Pandavas despite being a 'single mom'. She was a great devotee of the Lord. Once she asks Lord to His surprise 'to give her more suffering in her life' – because during suffering or difficult times she will remember the Lord more – she wanted to always remember the Lord! Karna, her eldest son was born to her before marriage due to a boon given by sage Dhurvasa. Scared of societal and parental repercussions she let go the baby floating in river Ganges – who is raised by a charioteer and his wife, Radha. With time enmity and jealous develops between Karna and Arjuna. Duryodhana wages the war with Pandavas mainly depending on Karnas prowess and friendship; and the war results in such a large scale destruction – all of this perhaps could have been avoided had Kunti told everyone that Karna was her son. After war she dutifully served Dhritharastra and Gandhari.
5. Yudhisthira: he was the eldest of Pandavas, was also called Dharmaraja – because by thought, word and deed he followed dharma. There are numerous situations which show his greatness – when his brothers lay in 'coma' during the Yakshaprasana episode, when asked to choose one brother to live – he chooses Nakula without any hesitation. He could have chosen Arjuna or Bhima – who could have helped him in a bigger way in the war. But he wanted at least one son of Madri to live along with him (Kunti's son). He was willing to take just 5 villages from Kauravas to avoid war and destruction – unfortunately his policy of appeasement did not change the heart of Duryodhana. When Gandharvas capture Duryodhana he sent Arjuna and Bhima to rescue him – saying 'we all are still one family.' After war one of the first proclamation he made was that everyone should treat Dhritharastra and Gandhari respectfully – he himself did that – despite all the cruelties that Kauravas and Dhritharastra did to them. He did have a weakness of playing dice which lead to lot of problems and suffering for Pandavas.
6. Bhima: was second Pandava, had enormous physical strength and blessing of Hamunanji himself. He was chief protector of Pandavas from demons during their stay in forests. He even carried them when they were all tired! Despite his great strength, he always listened to his elder brother – Yudhisthira and followed dharma. He was chiefly responsible in killing all the children of Dhritharastra and Gandhari in the war.
7. Arjuna: was the most skillful archer of his time. He was the favorite disciple of Dronacharya – he earned this status due to his hard work, dedication, service and skill. He once saved Dronacharya from a crocodile and was instrumental in capturing Drupada as Gurudakshina to his teacher. His dedication was so great that he even practiced bow and arrow in dark –to improve his skill! He received Pasupatha astra from Lord Shiva and several special astras from Gods with penance and prowess. With guidance and protection of Lord Krishna he was mainly responsible in defeating Kauravas in the war. Despite his prowess he always listened to his eldest brother and followed dharma. Both Bhima and Arjuna had some pride in them – one of the blemishes in their character.
8. Draupadi: was daughter of King Drupada and wife of Pandavas. She was a devoted wife and a great devotee of Lord Krishna. Like all Pandavas she too always followed Dharma. Her humiliation during the dice game was the main trigger for the ultimate Kurushetra war.
9. Abhimanyu: he was the valiant son of Arjuna and Subhadra. He was able to get in the Chakravyuha that Dronacharya formed on the 13 th day of war. Other Pandavas were stopped from entry by King Jayadratha. Abhimanyu, who was only 16 years old, fought bravely against the Kaurava warriors all alone, and none of them could defeat him initially. Later Karna attacks him from behind and breaks his bow; after that the Kuru warriors attack him all at one time and kill him in a very unjust manner.
10. Parikshit: was son of Abhimanyu and Uttara. After war Asvatthama kills all children of Pandavas and Draupadi (Upapandavas) while they were sleeping. Asvatthama then sends Brahmasironama asthram to kill the unborn son in the womb of Uttara. Lord Krishna saves the unborn boy. Parikshit continues the lineage of Pandavas, who make him the king before going to heaven.
11. We continued with "Yaksha Prashnas" :
What is the highest Dharma?
Non-injury is the best Dharma. We should respect others, be courteous and understanding. Ahimsa should be practiced at physical level, speech level and at thought level. Gandhiji has said "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."
Which Dharma always yields result?
Vedic Dharma always yields results. Our scriptures are treasure house for values, when we follow them we will be successful, happy and results will always be positive. This knowledge can be summed up as - To use the body to serve others is the most important work. To do good to others is righteousness, Dharma and to harm anyone is sinful.
Controlling what man does not grieve?
Having control of the mind one never grieves. When mind is under control we can face any situation calmly in a rational manner. Difficulties and challenges; sorrow and loss will come to all of us – how we handle the situation depends on our mindset. Man with controlled mind will not grieve excessively at the passing events. When mind is not kept under control even simple things will overwhelm us.
Friendship with whom does not decay?
Friendship with the good would never decay. A good person is one who is upright in his thoughts, words and actions. Such people will be always faithful with their friendship. They can overlook our faults and enhace our personality.
12. We had grade 9 monthly performance today – hope some of you joined andenjoyed the performance.
13. Grade 8 monthly program is scheduled for Jan 30 th – we will be brainstorming with the students this weekend & plan rehearsals etc. We need your cooperation in executing the program – especially we might need some computer support. If you are free and able to provide us any support please reach out to us
WE WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY, PROSPEROUS AND BLISSFUL NEW YEAR 2022!!
Pranam,
Mekhala Girish
Devender Akula